Review: Rosemarked

Read if you like: stand-out originality, poisons and healers, sweeping political fantasy, and heartfelt romance.

Rosemarked | Livia Blackburne

Series: Rosemarked

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, High Fantasy
Released: November 7th 2017
Pages: 390
Format: Ebook
Source: Publisher

A healer who cannot be healed . . .

When Zivah falls prey to the deadly rose plague, she knows it’s only a matter of time before she fully succumbs. Now she’s destined to live her last days in isolation, cut off from her people and unable to practice her art—until a threat to her village creates a need that only she can fill.

A soldier shattered by war . . .

Broken by torture at the hands of the Amparan Empire, Dineas thirsts for revenge against his captors. Now escaped and reunited with his tribe, he’ll do anything to free them from Amparan rule—even if it means undertaking a plan that risks not only his life but his very self.

Thrust together on a high-stakes mission to spy on the capital, the two couldn’t be more different: Zivah, deeply committed to her vow of healing, and Dineas, yearning for vengeance. But as they grow closer, they must find common ground to protect those they love. And amidst the constant fear of discovery, the two grapple with a mutual attraction that could break both of their carefully guarded hearts.

This smart, sweeping fantasy with a political edge and a slow-burning romance will capture fans of The Lumatere Chronicles and An Ember in the Ashes. 

This is a slow, incredibly unique fantasy with great worldbuilding. I really enjoyed this book, especially the disease and poisons elements, and the fact that the main characters were a warrior and a healer. I liked their dynamic, too. I thought this was a stand alone, but I'll probably read the next book to see how their relationship develops. This has a lot of great elements too that makes me want to continue: the politics, the war, the different tribes of people, and the memorable characters. I'd definitely recommend it if you want a fantasy that isn't too fast, loud, or violent. This has a good balance of all that, but with slow moments too.

3.5 stars

Review: Mask of Shadows

Read if you like: fantasy worlds that are gender and sexuality inclusive, assassins, thieves, and to-the-death competitions.

Mask of Shadows | Linsey Miller

Series: Mask of Shadows

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Assassins
Released: August 29th 2017
Pages: 352
Format: Ebook
Source: Publisher

I Needed to Win.
They Needed to Die.

Sallot Leon is a thief, and a good one at that. But gender fluid Sal wants nothing more than to escape the drudgery of life as a highway robber and get closer to the upper-class—and the nobles who destroyed their home.

When Sal steals a flyer for an audition to become a member of The Left Hand—the Queen’s personal assassins, named after the rings she wears—Sal jumps at the chance to infiltrate the court and get revenge.

But the audition is a fight to the death filled with clever circus acrobats, lethal apothecaries, and vicious ex-soldiers. A childhood as a common criminal hardly prepared Sal for the trials. And as Sal succeeds in the competition, and wins the heart of Elise, an intriguing scribe at court, they start to dream of a new life and a different future, but one that Sal can have only if they survive.

Hard to resist making my entire review about Ruby and HOW RUDE that ending was. He was my fave, thank you.

I was surprised by this book. It draws from familiar (slightly overdone) fantasy elements - assassin/thief, a contest) but does it in such a unique way. I loved the gemstone elements, the elite of assassins that is the Hand, and the genderfluid, queer main character. This book is exciting, dramatic, and full of dangers - and at the heart of it, grief and revenge. There's competition, romance, friendship, and plenty of murder. I really liked it.

4.5 stars

Review: The Marked Girl

Read if you like: stories that take a well-loved genre and mix it up, character-driven books, and so much awesome squeezed into one book.

The Marked Girl | Lindsey Klingele

Series: Marked Girl

Genre: YA Fantasy
Released: August 1st 2017
Pages: 416
Format: Ebook
Source: Publisher

Worlds collide in Lindsey Klingele’s young adult novel The Marked Girl, an exciting fantasy tale turned upside down.

Elissa Sussman, author of Stray, calls The Marked Girl “a magical debut with a big heart.”

When Cedric, crowned prince of Caelum, and his fellow royal friends (including his betrothed, Kat) find themselves stranded in modern-day L.A. via a magical portal and an evil traitor named Malquin, all they want to do is get home to Caelum—soon. Then they meet Liv, a filmmaker foster girl who just wants to get out of the system and on with her life. As she and Cedric bond, they’ll discover that she’s more connected to his world than they ever could’ve imagined…and that finding home is no easy task…

The Marked Girl has humor, heart, and harrowing adventures, perfect for fantasy lovers and reluctant fantasy readers alike. The paperback includes a teaser to the sequel, The Broken World. 

This book is so different to anything I've read.  Part urban fantasy, part secondary world fantasy, part something new. Pure awesome.

I love how normal Liv is, and how utterly abnormal a world she's thrown into: people from another world, near superheroes, killer Knights, and a hoarde of monsters. There's nothing missing from this book; it has great, memorable characters, fantasy world people struggling to cope with modern day (Kat trying to fathom Uber is my favourite thing), interesting dangers, some plot twists, a relatable MC, and a snarky, grumpy bae I want to keep. He's not the love interest (that's perfect, bland Cedric) but I hope he's more the focus in the next book.

Great from page one, this book takes surprising turn after surprising turn and I loved it. Will definitely continue this series!

4.5 stars

Review: The Last Namsara

Read if you like: secondary fantasy with interesting magic systems and beliefs, characters you can root for, and dragons.

The Last Namsara | Kristen Ciccarelli

Series: Iskari

Genre: YA High Fantasy
Released: October 3rd 2017
Pages: 432
Format: Ebook
Source: Publisher

In the beginning, there was the Namsara: the child of sky and spirit, who carried love and laughter wherever he went. But where there is light, there must be darkness—and so there was also the Iskari. The child of blood and moonlight. The destroyer. The death-bringer.

These are the legends that Asha, daughter of the king of Firgaard, has grown up learning in hushed whispers, drawn to the forbidden figures of the past. But it isn’t until she becomes the fiercest, most feared dragon slayer in the land that she takes on the role of the next Iskari—a lonely destiny that leaves her feeling more like a weapon than a girl.

Asha conquers each dragon and brings its head to the king, but no kill can free her from the shackles that await at home: her betrothal to the cruel commandant, a man who holds the truth about her nature in his palm. When she’s offered the chance to gain her freedom in exchange for the life of the most powerful dragon in Firgaard, she finds that there may be more truth to the ancient stories than she ever could have expected. With the help of a secret friend—a slave boy from her betrothed’s household—Asha must shed the layers of her Iskari bondage and open her heart to love, light, and a truth that has been kept from her. 

This was not what I expected at all. I really like how the main character journeys from villain to hero, from dragon hunter to dragon rider. I could have done without the romance and I didn't love the rebel camp but there were elements I really liked. Character development is amazing, and I like the main character, as well as her cousin. The dragons were pretty awesome, too, though I wish they were more characters than they actually were.

I enjoyed the action and suspense, and this was a really good fantasy book with some memorable moments. The world didn't stand out but I think it'll be expanded on in later books. I liked it.

4.5 stars

#FreeReads - Stag's Run

Read if you like: queer romance, sweeping fantasy worlds, political tension, assassinations

Stag's Run | Zaya Feli

Series: Iron Breakers

Published by: Zaya Feli, November 18th 2016
Genre: Fantasy, LGBTQ+
Pages: 237
Format: Ebook
Source: Free on Kindle

Ren Frayne is the bastard son of the Queen of Frayne, a title he’s more than comfortable with when it brings him limited responsibilities and all the luxuries of life he could ever want. But when the king and Ren’s half-brother, Crown Prince Hellic are brutally murdered, Ren is accused. Now, he is forced to flee the city together with the mysterious prisoner Anik who may know how to survive in the wild, but who seems to have an agenda of his own, one that may spell danger for Ren.

Ren’s accuser now sits on his family’s throne, and things are about to get much, much worse. It may be time to seek help in unexpected places. 

There's a lot I could talk about with this book - the great characterisation, the growth, the well written world, the tense and exciting politics, the fast pace that kept me reading - but I just want to dwell on one particular plot point, and that's the fact that cows basically save the day. Cow soldiers. Cattle as secret weapons. This book is great - read it!

Review: The Bloodprint

The Khorasan Archives: The Bloodprint | Ausma Zehanat Khan

Published by: Harper Voyager, October 3rd 2017

Genre: High Fantasy, Feminism

Pages: 448

Format: Ebook

Source: Harper Voyager, via Edelweiss

A dark power called the Talisman has risen in the land, born of ignorance and persecution. Led by a man known only known as the One-eyed Preacher, it is a cruel and terrifying movement bent on world domination—a superstitious patriarchy that suppresses knowledge and subjugates women. And it is growing.

But there are those who fight the Talisman's spread, including the Companions of Hira, a diverse group of influential women whose power derives from the Claim—the magic inherent in the words of a sacred scripture. Foremost among them is Arian and her apprentice, Sinnia, skilled warriors who are knowledgeable in the Claim. This daring pair have long stalked Talisman slave-chains, searching for clues and weapons to help them battle their enemy’s oppressive ways. Now, they may have discovered a miraculous symbol of hope that can destroy the One-eyed Preacher and his fervid followers: The Bloodprint, a dangerous text the Talisman has tried to erase from the world.

Finding a copy of The Bloodprint promises to be their most dangerous undertaking yet, an arduous journey that will lead them deep into Talisman territory. Though they will be helped by allies—a loyal ex-slave and Arian’s former confidante and sword master—both Arian and Sinnia know that this mission may well be their last. 

I had no idea what to expect of this, but it was about feminists against the patriarchy in a fantasy world so of course I was on board. But this book has so many facets, and I loved every one of them. 

Religion in a positive light! The Claim is written so well - both how it makes the people who use it feel and the wording itself. Such a clever way to fuse religion and magic. The characters didn't let me down either - the main character has dedicated herself to freeing women from slave chains, by using her magic and status as First Oralist, and I loved her so much for that. There's romance as well, which I love (Daniyar is so sweet, honestly, he'd better be okay in book two!) and Sinnia, another female character, is awesome too. I love how the ladies of this book interact.

There's so much to praise and talk about - the world, the writing, the politics, different inclusions of race, tribes, culture, gender, the patriarchy, and especially the treatment of women. It had the right amount of fantasy and magic too - everything was balanced. I want to read the next book!

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆

Review: The Shadow Master

Shadow Master: The Shadow Master | Craig Cormick

Published by: Angry Robot, June 24th 2014

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 342

Format: Ebook

Source: Purchased

In a land riven with plague, inside the infamous Walled City, two families vie for control: the Medicis with their genius inventor Leonardo; the Lorraines with Galileo, the most brilliant alchemist of his generation. 

And when two star-crossed lovers, one from either house, threaten the status quo, a third, shadowy power – one that forever seems a step ahead of all of the familial warring – plots and schemes, and bides its time, ready for the moment to attack...

Assassination; ancient, impossible machines; torture and infamy – just another typical day in paradise.

That ending! Now I HAVE to read the next book just to get some answers. There was so much to like about this - fantasy that's compelling and intricate without being dense and so slooooow like a lot of other fantasy I've tried lately. Plus great characters with secrets upon secrets, famous faces, and shock upon shock within the story itself. So good.

My only issue isn't with the book. My copy had A TONNE of errors and typos that I presume won't have made it to the final copy. Since I bought it directly from Angry Robot's website, and it wasn't a galley, I was pretty surprised by this.

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world ★★★★★

Writing ★★★★☆

Review: The Tiger's Watch

Ashes of Gold: The Tiger's Watch | Julia Ember

Published by: Harmony Ink Press, August 22nd 2017

Genre: YA, Fantasy, LGBT+

Pages: 400

Format: Ebook

Source: Harmony Ink Press, via Netgalley

Sixteen-year-old Tashi has spent their life training as a inhabitor, a soldier who spies and kills using a bonded animal. When the capital falls after a brutal siege, Tashi flees to a remote monastery to hide. But the invading army turns the monastery into a hospital, and Tashi catches the eye of Xian, the regiment’s fearless young commander.

Tashi spies on Xian’s every move. In front of his men, Xian seems dangerous, even sadistic, but Tashi discovers a more vulnerable side of the enemy commander—a side that draws them to Xian.

When their spying unveils that everything they’ve been taught is a lie, Tashi faces an impossible choice: save their country or the boy they’re growing to love. Though Tashi grapples with their decision, their volatile bonded tiger doesn't question her allegiances. Katala slaughters Xian’s soldiers, leading the enemy to hunt her. But an inhabitor’s bond to their animal is for life—if Katala dies, so will Tashi.

This is the second book I've read by Julia Ember, so I knew it was gonna be good, but this was SO much better than I even predicted.

I pretty much loved this from page one. It starts with action and throws you right into the world and danger, and I connected with Tashi, the main character, instantly, along with her bonded tiger (who is an adorable killing machine and I want her to be my bestie.) There's so much I loved in this book, from the setting (a monastery!) to the cast of characters (ranging from people soul bonded with animals via magic to monks to invading soldiers) to Tashi, our non-binary hero, to the story itself. I blew through the book, and was at 75% in the space of a blink, I was so absorbed reading it. I even ... felt really bad for the villain (maybe villain? I'm hopeful for him redeeming himself because that boy has serious secrets.)

I honestly CANNOT wait until the next book. There's so much this series can do and so many places it can go, and I know I'm gonna love it.

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆

Review: Shadowcaster

Shattered Realms: Shadowcaster | Cinda Williams Chima

Published by: HarperTeen, April 4th 2017

Genre: High Fantasy

Pages: 560

Format: Ebook

Source: HarperTeen, via Edelweiss

Alyssa ana'Raisa is the reluctant princess heir to the Gray Wolf throne of Fells, a queendom embroiled in a seemingly endless war. Hardened by too many losses, Lyss is more comfortable striking with a sword than maneuvering at court. After a brush with death, she goes on the offensive, meaning to end the war that has raged her whole life. If her gamble doesn't pay off, she could lose her queendom before she even ascends to the throne. 

Across enemy lines in Arden, young rising star Captain Halston Matelon has been fighting for his king since he was a lýtling. Lately, though, he finds himself sent on ever more dangerous assignments. Between the terrifying rumors of witches and wolfish warriors to the north and his cruel king at home, Hal is caught in an impossible game of life and death. 

Set in the world of the acclaimed Seven Realms series, this is a thrilling story of the unfathomable costs of war, the allure of dark magic, and two principled and conflicted characters, drawn together despite everything they stand to lose.

Okay so this was great but... I didn't love it.

And here's the thing - there's a lot in this that's pretty great. It does a good job of demonstrating different kinds of being feminine, showing women can be soldiers too (even if it does make Lyss really adhere to masculine tropes to do so, she really holds her own and lets herself be soft and romantic without seeing that as diminishing from her fighting and captaining.) There's really nothing that I don't like, except was it a little slow? Or was it the perfect pace to show how war really builds? Anyway, I really like Lyss, I still like Jenna and her dragon (!), and I fell so hard in love with Hal Matelon. Plus the world is amazingly built and feels so real. What I reaaaally liked was Lyss is a broad, muscular girl who isn't actually that pretty at all - and she doesn't give a shit!!

We don't see any character from the first book until halfway through the book which is 1) frustrating because I wanna see Adrian and 2) pretty darn cool actually. We get to see what's going on in a different part of the world while Arden goes to shit, and get closer to the Fellsian royals. I can't really pinoint what I don't like about Shadowcaster, if there is anything at all.

While I didn't fall head over heels for this book, I can't think of one thing I'd change. But please let there be Adrian in the next book!

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★☆☆

Review: Avenged

Ruined: Avenged | Amy Tintera

Published by: HarperTeen, May 2nd 2017

Genre: YA, High Fantasy, Magic

Pages: 416

Format: Ebook

Source: HarperTeen, via Edelweiss

In the sequel to Ruined, the romance of The Selection and the epic stakes of Red Queen come together in a story of revenge, adventure, and unexpected love.

Emelina Flores has come home to Ruina. After rescuing her sister Olivia from imprisonment in rival kingdom Lera, Em and Olivia together vow to rebuild Ruina to its former glory. 

But their fight has only begun. Olivia is determined to destroy everyone who acts against Ruina, but Em isn’t as sure. Ever since Em posed as Prince Casimir’s betrothed in Lera, she’s started to see another side to this war. And now that Cas has taken the throne, Em believes a truce is within reach. But Olivia suspects that Em’s romantic feelings for Cas are just coloring her judgement.

Em is determined to bring peace to her home. But when winning the war could mean betraying her family, Em faces an impossible choice between loyalty and love. Em must stay one step ahead of her enemies—and her blood—before she’s the next victim in this battle for sovereignty.

These books are INTENSE. After reading quite a few sequels in the past year that were nowhere near as good as the first book, I was really worried about Avenged I loved Em and Cas SO MUCH in Ruined and I didn't want their story to decline, but I needn't have worried. This book is every bit as tense and dangerous and romantic as the first book. I only have a few thoughts about this book (I mostly have feeeeelings) so I'll list them here: -Olivia is TERRIFYING. Scariest non-villain villain in a book I've read. It's more unsettling because she means well, and every person she murders is for the good of her people. But her complete lack of feeling when she murders entire groups of people? Terrifying -Aren, poor, tortured Aren. Confession: going into this book, I could not remember Aren at all, but he came into himself as a character in this book and I loved him. I can't wait to see how he handles his evolving power and that ending. -The supporting characters make this book so much stronger. Noble guard Galo and his boyfriend. Newcomer Violet, another strong female character. Iria, conflicted warrior and all-around great person. August, pain in the ass (but he did up the tension so I guess he has some purpose as a human being, though I'm really struggling for something nice to say.) This is just such a good book, and every bit as scary and heartfelt as Ruined, just on a bigger and more exciting scale and with more conflict and heartache for Em. I'm so happy this sequel was strong!

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★☆☆

Review: Traitor To The Throne

Rebel of The Sands: Traitor To The Throne | Alwyn Hamilton

Published by: Faber & Faber, February 2nd 2017

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Magic, Djinn

Pages: 592

Format: Ebook

Source: Faber & Faber, via Edelweiss

This is not about blood or love. This is about treason.

Nearly a year has passed since Amani and the rebels won their epic battle at Fahali. Amani has come into both her powers and her reputation as the Blue-Eyed Bandit, and the Rebel Prince's message has spread across the desert - and some might say out of control. But when a surprise encounter turns into a brutal kidnapping, Amani finds herself betrayed in the cruellest manner possible.

Stripped of her powers and her identity, and torn from the man she loves, Amani must return to her desert-girl's instinct for survival. For the Sultan's palace is a dangerous one, and the harem is a viper's nest of suspicion, fear and intrigue. Just the right place for a spy to thrive... But spying is a dangerous game, and when ghosts from Amani's past emerge to haunt her, she begins to wonder if she can trust her own treacherous heart.

Ughhhhhhhhhh that ending makes me mad.

Dare I say this was actually better than book one? The rebellion built in exciting, unpredictable ways. I love how the world expands in this book, and the deeper look at culture we get. I love how the characters are written, how they interact with each other, and how they're all badass in their own way. Jin and Amani are still perfect, and I got a new ship in this book (which sunk, thanks a lot, book!) which was cool. What was really interesting was how this book showed the enemy - i.e. as a person with ideals and good intentions too. This was clever and sneaky and made me doubt the rebellion.

Even more supernatural awesomeness, more action, more tension, and more of my favourite snarky characters.

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world ★★★★★

Writing ★★★★☆